Promenade City Hotel

Set to the side of one of the many surrounding retail outlets, the unassuming entrance of the Promenade City Hotel is certainly easy to miss. Looking up, however, the building's 19th-century facade is a striking combination of graceful arches and elegant neoclassical columns. The hotel's small reception area is at the end of an underwhelming passage, though decorated in smart, modern decor with jazzy mirrors, contemporary seating, and original artworks. Although there is a breakfast room, with no restaurant or other common spaces the property's character is more about function than design. Opened in 2008 with just 45 guest rooms, it's also one of the smaller hotels in the area. It's mostly popular with couples on weekend getaways, though it does also attract some families and business travelers.

The hotel has a prime location half way down the well-known central shopping thoroughfare of Vaci Street. Being pedestrianized, there's no car access to the hotel, however there are numerous major shops, fast food outlets, and restaurants within a short stroll. It's also a five- to 10-minute walk from the popular and buzzing mile-long Kiraly Street -- also lined with bars and eateries. The nearest metro station is Ferenciek tere, five minutes away on foot, while Deak Ferenc ter metro is seven minutes away. Budapest Airport is about a half hour drive away, or around an hour by public transport. 

Decor is mostly consistent throughout the 45 rooms, with simple modern styling combining IKEA-like pine furniture, coordinating brown fabrics and patterned carpets. Third-floor rooms have dark-wood floors with plans for other levels to follow suit. Standard amenities include minibars (with liquor, beer, and wine) and 20-inch flat-screen TVs (though just one English-language channel). Most rooms are on the small side, though higher-category rooms are larger and add coffee- and tea-making facilities. Bathrooms are clean and modern, with wall-mounted hairdryers and heated towel racks. The majority have shower/tub combos, though the lack of shower curtains can translate to wet floors. Most rooms face an internal courtyard, meaning no views and little natural light; some overlook the street, but soundproofing keeps noise to minimum. 

Promenade City Hotel is fairly stripped down when it comes to features. A continental breakfast buffet made up of mostly cold items (such as salads, pastries, and cheese) is included in the room rate and served in the small, bright dining room. Seating just 30 guests, the dining room can get crowded during peak times.There's not much else on offer, though nearby paid parking can be arranged through the hotel, as can airport transfers. Wi-Fi is also free, and connections are fast.